We last visited Portmeirion on a sunny but cold New Year’s Day. Was it worth the visit for us? Yes, definitely! I had been eager to visit Portmeirion for a while, having come across the stunning photos of the village on Instagram. And when we made a plan to stay with family elsewhere in North Wales, we finally were able to tick this stunning village off our bucket list.
And during our visit, honestly, we forgot that we were in Wales (especially if you visit on a sunny day like we did). I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t in Cinque Terre or Positano, and that’s exactly how it’s meant to make you feel. As the architect Sir Clough Williams- Ellis was heavily inspired by Italy when building it. He started building the village in 1925, and he did so to prove that a colorful, movie-set-esque village could sit effortlessly within nature (without damaging it). All the buildings are positioned so as not to disrupt the nature that surrounds them.
Portmeirion is also famous for being the filming location of the 1960s television series “The Prisoner.”
And you can visit on a day trip (entrance fee is £20 per adult), as we did, or stay the night, as we would love to do! FYI, a hotel room here costs from £150 per night.
Why visit Portmeirion?
Because Portmeirion is a unique village that captivated us with its whimsical architecture and stunning natural scenery. As I said, it was designed by the visionary architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. And this enchanting village is a testament to his dream of creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural charm. With its colorful Italianate buildings, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the Dwyryd Estuary, we really did have a lovely time here. And I’d love to live somewhere like this (sadly, you can’t live here!)
On that note, I will add that Portmeirion isn’t a real village, so don’t come expecting that. It’s essentially a makeshift village (almost like a movie set), although there are real restaurants, Cafes, stores, and hotels here – nobody actually lives here.
And being honest, I think the £20 entrance fee is worth it – we spent the whole day here, we took lots of photos, had lunch in the ice cream parlour, checked out all the streets, and even spent quite a while in the Japanese Gardens and the surrounding woodland trails.
It really is a unique place, and as I said above, you will have to keep reminding yourself that you’re in North Wales. The weather reminded us of that fact, as we visited in early January 🙂
What we got up to in Portmeirion, Wales
Take a casual stroll through the village
The village itself is a feast for the eyes, with its pastel-hued buildings, intricate sculptures, and lush greenery. As we wandered through its narrow lanes, we loved seeing the different mix of architectural styles, from classical and baroque to Gothic and medieval.
Each building here really does have its own personality. My favorite and perhaps the most notable buildings here include the Pantheon, a temple-like building, and the iconic Portmeirion Bell Tower, which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
See the Japanese Garden
Unsurprisingly, Portmeirion is not just about its architecture; it’s also famous for its beautiful gardens and woodlands. The village is surrounded by 70 acres of exotic woodlands, known as the Gwyllt, which are home to an array of rare and exotic plants. The gardens themselves are meticulously maintained, featuring all different colors and smells that change with the seasons.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Japanese Garden, with its serene water features and delicate foliage. We loved wandering around here with our daughter – we easily spent an hour here in the Japanese Garden.
Spot The Prisoner filming locations
As I mentioned above, the village is perhaps best known as the setting for the cult 1960s television series “The Prisoner,” starring Patrick McGoohan. Fans of the show will enjoy spotting familiar locations like Number Six’s House, situated in the main village, which is now the location of an official gift shop celebrating the series.
The Village Square, or Piazza, serves as a central hub in the series, and it’s here you can see the Giant Chess Set and bandstand. The Green Dome is another standout building in the TV show, famously the home of the mysterious “Number Two.” And finally, Lighthouse Cove, next to the water, provided a backdrop for scenes with helicopters and boats.
Check out the Portmeirion Village Exhibition
For those interested in the history of the village itself, the Portmeirion Village Exhibition provides an insightful look at the life and work of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and his ambitious project.
Dining and shopping options in Portmeirion
There are a few restaurants in Portmeirion – The Hotel Portmeirion Restaurant offers a sophisticated menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, while Caffi Glas offers a more relaxed setting with stunning views of the estuary. And the 3-course lunch at Castell Deudraeth is meant to be amazing – and is very popular! For a quick bite, the charming ice cream parlour (where we ate) is perfect.
As for stores here, the Portmeirion Pottery Shop is a must-visit for those looking to take home a piece of the village’s iconic ceramic ware. Other shops offer a range of local crafts, artwork, and souvenirs. Although there aren’t heaps of stores here, there’s something for everyone.
Where to Stay in Portmeirion
The Hotel Portmeirion is the most luxurious hotel choice here, boasting elegant rooms with stunning views of the estuary. Alternatively, Castell Deudraeth offers a contemporary hotel experience with spacious rooms.
For a different experience, the village’s self-catering cottages provide a cozy and private retreat, each uniquely decorated to reflect the charm of the village.
Getting Here
Portmeirion is easily accessible by car, with ample parking. If you don’t have a car, the nearest train station is in Porthmadog, from which taxis are readily available to take you the short distance to the village.
Current (2026) Entry Fees for Portmeirion
- Adults: £20
- Seniors of 60+/Students: £18
- Children (from 5 – 15 years): £14
- Children (under 5 years) go free!
- They also offer family passes starting from £39.
- You can also enter for free if you have reserved the 3-course lunch at Castell Deudraeth, but please note that free entry is for after lunch only; if you wish to visit before lunch, you must buy an entry ticket.
You can buy tickets online or at the ticket booth, which is what we did.
Portmeirion’s opening hours are as follows:
- 9:30 am – 6:30 pm for their main season (typically end of March to start of November)
- 9:30 am – 5:30 pm for low season (November – February)
Thanks for reading!
To us, Portmeirion is a very unique place – and we’re really glad we visited. I just fell in love with how it mixes different architectural styles, natural beauty, and color (all the color). So, whether you’re a fan of “The Prisoner” or simply in search of a picturesque escape, Portmeirion offers a truly unforgettable experience.
While you’re here, you may also like to read my other Wales blog posts –
How to spend one day in Tenby, Wales
One Day in Betws y Coed (What to Do in Betws y Coed)
Last Updated on June 18, 2026 by snaphappytravel